What is the Cubic Metre (CBM) Rate in Shipping?

  • 2 min read

The CBM rate, also known as the cubic metre rate, is a common unit of measurement used in the shipping industry to calculate the volume or capacity of a container or shipment. The CBM rate is typically used to determine the cost of transporting goods by sea, as it allows for a more accurate estimation of the amount of space that the cargo will occupy in the vessel's hold.

To calculate the CBM rate, the length, width, and height of the cargo are measured in metres, and the resulting measurements are multiplied together to determine the total volume in cubic metres. For example, if the length of a shipment is 2 metres, the width is 1 metre, and the height is 1.5 metres, the CBM rate would be calculated as follows: 2 x 1 x 1.5 = 3 CBM.

Once the CBM rate has been determined, it can be used to calculate the cost of shipping the cargo by dividing the total CBM by the cargo's weight in kilograms. This allows for a more accurate estimation of the shipping cost, as it takes into account the volume of the cargo as well as its weight.

In addition to calculating the cost of shipping, the CBM rate is also used to determine the size and type of container that will be needed to transport the cargo. For example, if a shipment has a CBM rate of 3, it may require a 20-foot container, while a shipment with a CBM rate of 6 may require a 40-foot container.

Overall, the CBM rate is an important unit of measurement in the shipping industry, as it allows for a more accurate calculation of the cost and logistics of transporting goods by sea. By understanding and using the CBM rate, shippers and transportation providers can ensure that their cargo is transported efficiently and cost-effectively.

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